The One She Needed

FOUR

RAQUEL

It's the same cycle, repeating an annoying sound scraping the cranium. His pleading words unfortunately worked.

Getting down on his knees, apologizing for skipping out on me. I know I should leave, walk out. But given the low success rate I've had with men this could very much be the best deal I can get when it comes to Derek.

So now here I lay staring at the ceiling, cold sleeplessness in me as I face the comfort of the empty bed sheets we used to imprint in our passion.

My mind drifted over to the coat that rested on a chair, I had been meaning to return it to that man. And for a brief moment as I thought about him, a stupid grin found itself on my face at the incident back at the office.

The first thing I noticed about him was his eyes—deep blue and impossible to ignore. His strong jaw and full, pink lips only added to his striking features. He stood tall, his presence overwhelming, sending an unexpected flutter through my stomach.

Then there was his scent—a mix of wood and sandalwood, rich and warm. It suited him in a way I couldn't explain.

The way he treated me had been kind, almost too kind. Maybe it was just pity since he'd noticed Derek wasn't around. The thought made me scoff. Why was I even thinking about a stranger who wasn't my type?

Besides, I had Derek.

As I lay hidden in the shadows, wrapped in secrecy, I couldn't stop my mind from drifting to him. Just a passing thought, nothing more.

It was harmless to think about him—as long as it ended there.

***

His mouth is moving and nothing comes out to me.

No sound along with no affection.

"I'm really tired, baby," he mumbles as he returns his gaze to his iPad. The quick perusal over the red lingerie set I bought, bruised me as he sat on the bed preparing notes for some meeting.

I know he's been trying to get a promotion at work, but back then work could be set aside easily to delve between my thighs. Now he barely wants to touch me.

"Terrance... you're always working."

"Where do you think that money I use to take you out on those fancy dates comes from, huh?"

For a moment, I barely recognized him. The scowl on his face is so sharp, it's like I just gave him the worst news imaginable. He's never spoken to me like this before, and for a second, I freeze, unsure what to do.

"I didn't mean t-to—"

"Then don't bite the hand that feeds you."

The words hit harder than I expected. The silence that follows is heavy, pressing against my chest, making it hard to breathe. And I let it.

At this point he might as well spit in my face.

Returning to the bathroom in no time I buried myself under the sheets, wounded.

He loves me.

He loves me... not

***

There he was alone in the office by himself again. Swallowing the nerves I clutched the coat tighter which on some days I found myself sniffing already addicted to the smell.

"Hey...?" I almost wanted to kick myself for sounding so unsure.

"Door lady," he smiled.

Tripping on shaky ground into the blinding light of his smile.